Researchers using AI to address social isolation

Computer science professor Pooya Moradian Zadeh believes artificial intelligence can benefit human health by bridging social isolation.

Artificial intelligence often gets a bad rap. But professor Pooya Moradian Zadeh of the School of Computer Science argues AI has a critical role to play in supporting societal challenges and contributing to domains like the health-care sector.

His research team is exploring how technology tools and AI can be leveraged to address social isolation, a key factor in determining health outcomes, in combination with other hands-on, wrap-around supports.

“We know that there is a problem. Social isolation is a significant challenge, which may limit many individuals’ ability to access the necessary resources they require,” explains Dr. Zadeh. “The limited social connections and reduced community engagement associated with social isolation can create barriers, making it more challenging for people to reach and benefit from the support and resources essential to their well-being, and we felt that this was just the right place for AI and algorithms that could help to improve efficiency and create positive social impact.”

In its present iteration, the project is mainly focusing on senior and palliative care that is community oriented, but applications in mental health, medical practice, and even hospitals are all future possibilities. He notes that the team and students working on the project are creative thinkers who want to have a positive impact on their communities and society: “They are passionate about making a difference, and this project is helping them learn how they can do it.”

Learn more in the full article, “Decreasing isolation with the help of AI,” published in the Research and Innovation in Action report.

Courtesy: https://www.uwindsor.ca/dailynews/2024-11-28/researchers-using-ai-address-social-isolation